Best Apps for Business Travel

These apps can help you plan and execute your business trip. Credit: GateGuru Inc.

Instead of managing every aspect of your business trip, why not let your smartphone do some of the heavy lifting? The right mobile apps can help you get where you need to be, comfortably and on time. And when you get there, they can make it easier to track expenses, meet remotely and be productive on the go. Here are our picks for the smartphone apps that no road warrior should leave home without.

Uber for Business

Available for: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry

Getting reimbursed for business travel is a huge hassle. That's why Uber for Business is so handy. The work-ready version of the popular taxi-hailing app connects you — and your employees — to reliable transportation at the push of a button. Then it bills those rides directly to a company account, completely eliminating the need to save taxi receipts.

GateGuru

Available for: Android, iOS, Windows Phone 

There are dozens of different ways to get held up in the airport, and that's a big problem if you're trying to catch a business flight. GateGuru makes navigating the airport easier. For starters, it gives you quick access to your itinerary from your Tripit account. It also lets you view airport security wait times, so you know if you need to get there early. You can even see a structured list of restaurants and shops, which could really come in handy when you're passing through unfamiliar airports.

Tripit

Available for: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry

Tripit is a handy app for tracking and managing the details of your business trips. It lets you track flight information, view and share all your itineraries and even syncs your travel calendar between iOS and Android devices. It can also pull in weather updates to alert you to incoming storms that could affect your trip. And once you've arrived at your destination, Tripit can recommend restaurants and hotels. The app also includes a basic expense-tracking tool for easier reimbursement later.

Skype

Available for: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry

The Skype app is a great tool for connecting with colleagues, co-workers and clients when you're traveling away from the office. The app lets you make video calls using the front-facing camera on your smartphone for face-to-face meetings from anywhere. You can also remotely join staff meetings that are scheduled during your trip. Plus, the Skype app includes a handy address book for managing all your business contacts, making it easy for you to connect using just a few taps.

Seat Alerts

Available for: Android, iOS

Tired of getting stuck in the middle seat on business flights? The Seat Alerts app can monitor airline bookings and alert you when the seat you want becomes available. The app can help you find a window or aisle seat right up until the time the flight departs. That way you can lean against the window to catch some sleep, or snag an aisle seat for more leg room and a quicker exit when you reach your destination. The app can even simultaneously monitor seat availability on multiple flights.

Best Parking

Available for: Android, iOS

Finding a decent parking spot can be a nightmare, especially if you're traveling in an unfamiliar city. The Best Parking app can help by steering you toward the cheapest and most convenient parking garages and lots, helping you save money and time. It currently only works in 105 cities and 115 airports across North America, so it won't be much help during international trips.

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Should Your Small Business Accept Mobile Payments?

Credit: Denys Prykhodov/Shutterstock

In October 2014, Apple launched its highly anticipated mobile wallet solution, Apple Pay. Although the ability to make purchases through a smartphone app was not a brand-new concept, the business world viewed Apple Pay as the product that would finally push near-field communication (NFC) and contactless payment technology to the forefront of retail.

"Apple raised visibility [of payments as] something you can and should be able to do with a mobile device," said Gregory Mann, chief marketing officer of mobile wallet solution LoopPay. "It took the conversation out of B2B partners ... and brought it to consumers' dining room tables. The average person out there [now knows] this is something you can do with your phone."

While consumers may find it convenient to pay for their morning coffee or weekend shopping trip with their smartphones, is an NFC point-of-sale system really worth the investment for small businesses? Kaz Nejatian, co-founder and CEO of mobile payment system Kash, noted that many smaller merchants are hesitant to accept mobile payments because of the associated equipment purchases and fees.

"Every mobile payment app increases retail costs and reduces [the retailer's] margin," Nejatian said. "If you accept [a system like] Apple Pay, you have to invest in POS [point-of-sale] systems and contracts, and your fees go up."

But over the last decade, huge strides have been made in mobile technology, and the near ubiquity of smartphones and tablets among American consumers indicates that mobile payments will eventually become a standard POS option, Mann said. Merchants recognize where this trend is going, he said; it's a matter of determining how fast it's going to occur, and at what point a business owner needs to jump in. 

"In [a small business], the decisions you make today affect you years from now," Mann told Business News Daily. "You have limited funds and watch every dollar. You have to decide when and where to make an investment."

Who needs mobile payment options, and why?

For service-based businesses, accepting payments via a customer's smartphone may not make much sense at this point. But brick-and-mortar shops and restaurants that want to speed up transaction times — and ultimately, improve customer turnover rates — might find it helpful to offer this option to consumers. 

"While mobile payment technology is limitlessly employable, [it is] especially great for quick-serve food and retail locations due to the speed and convenience they allow at checkout," said Suneera Madhani, CEO and founder of credit card processing company Fattmerchant.

One advantage of mobile-based payments is a decreased fraud liability for merchants. This is an especially strong selling point in light of the numerous high-profile retail credit card breaches that occurred over the past couple of years.

"The security of ... contactless [payment] technologies is an added benefit," Madhani said. "There are safeguards against fraudulent transaction attempts, like Apple's Touch ID and unique codes for each transaction. And since the merchant isn't processing and collecting the customer's information themselves, the liability for the business decreases."

Next steps

If you think your business could benefit from offering mobile payment options, there are a number of factors to consider before deciding on a technology and/or service provider. Mann said business owners need to think about not only the cost of the equipment and associated fees, but also whether their customers would be interested. [

Nejatian advised looking for a system that allows you to do more than just accept a payment. He cited the Starbucks mobile app as an example of a successful mobile payment strategy.

"The Starbucks app wins because it does something ... other than provide convenience for customers," Nejatian said. "It's faster to pay [via the app] than with a credit card, but [customers] also get things — the loyalty program is embedded. The average app user spends more [because of this]."

Madhani noted that, if budget is a concern, you can shop around and ask service providers about terminal exchange programs. However, if the costs ultimately outweigh the benefits for your business, don't feel pressured to implement a mobile POS system right now. Traditional forms of payment aren't going extinct just yet, and you won't lose a sale by only accepting cash or credit.  

"Paying with a phone is faster and cooler, but it needs to make sense," Nejatian said. "Mobile payments will win when it makes sense for both [consumers and retailers]."

Still need help deciding, particularly about Apple Pay? Visit our pros-and-cons list for businesses here. 

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7 Celebrities Whose Parents Double as Entrepreneurs

Credit: Everett Collection/Shutterstock

Most celebrities owe their fame and fortune to their amazing talents, but where do they get their business sense? For stars with entrepreneurial parents, business is already in their blood.

Imagine being able to have lunch courtesy of Lady Gaga's parents, wear a new outfit designed by Beyoncé's mom, or even have your website created by Ariana Grande's dad. It may surprise you, but this doesn't have to be just wishful thinking — all of these are real businesses owned by some of your favorite celebrities' parents.

Here are seven celebrities whose parents are also successful entrepreneurs.

1. Adam Levine

Credit: mfredric.com

Fred and Lisa Levine aren't just parents to "The Voice" star and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, they're also successful business owners. Along with Fred's sister, Mardi Fox, the family owns M. Fredric, an apparel store for men, women and kids. M. Fredric has been around since 1980 and has 10 locations throughout California as well as an online store, which you can visit at MFredric.com.

2. Ariana Grande

Credit: ibidesigns.com

21-year-old former Nickelodeon star and pop singing sensation Ariana Grande is the daughter of Edward Butera, a well-known Florida graphic designer, artist and photographer. Butera owns ibi designs, a full-service creative studio in Boca Raton. The studio offers advertising, graphic and Web design, photography, videography and e-marketing services, and you can find out more about the company at ibidesigns.com.

3. Beyoncé

Credit: facebook.com

Tina Knowles, mother to Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and actress Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (and celebrity sister Solange), is no stranger to entrepreneurship. In 1990, Knowles opened a Houston beauty salon called Headliners. When Destiny's Child (Beyoncé's former music group) rose to fame, Knowles designed clothes and costumes for the group's members, and eventually published a book about it. In 2004, she launched her first clothing line with Beyoncé called House of Dereon, and in 2010, Knowles launched her latest venture, another clothing line, called Miss Tina by Tina Knowles, on the Home Shopping Network and at Walmart.

4. Jon Bon Jovi

Credit: bongiovibrand.com

You know Jon Bon Jovi (born John Bongiovi Jr.) as the frontman to the rock band Bon Jovi, but the "Living on a Prayer" singer is also the son of a businessman. His father, John Bongiovi Sr., now owns Bongiovi Brand, a pasta sauce company. Bongiovi Brand also donates a portion of its proceeds to the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, a charity organization founded by his rock star son that helps families and individuals dealing with poverty and homelessness.  You can shop online or find a retailer at BongioviBrand.com.

5. Kate Middleton

Credit: partypieces.co.uk

The Internet seems to be a little obsessed with the royal family, but did you know that the former Kate Middleton, duchess of Cambridge, is the daughter of a stay-at-home-mom turned entrepreneur? Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, launched Party Pieces, a Berkshire, England-based party supply business, back in 1987 and was eventually joined by her husband, Michael, who quit his job to help her run the company. Party Pieces sells everything from kids' party supplies to wedding decorations and stationery, and even offers catering supplies. You can shop online at PartyPieces.co.uk.

6. Lady Gaga

Credit: joannenyc.com

Fans of eccentric pop star Lady Gaga can sometimes find the "Born This Way" singer spending time on the Upper West Side at her parents' restaurant, Joanne Trattoria. Owned by Gaga's father, Joe Germanotta Jr., and mother, Cynthia, the restaurant is known for its warm, homey atmosphere and its Italian-American fare. Joanne Trattoria has been open since 2012, and you can check out their menu at JoanneNYC.com.

7. Meghan Trainor

Credit: jeweloftheisle.com

Meghan Trainor has taken over the pop charts recently with her hit song "All About That Bass," but Trainor's parents are more than just the proud parents of a celebrity daughter. Gary and Kelli Trainor are also the proud owners of a full-service handcrafted jewelry store in Nantucket called Jewel of the Isle. Their store has been open since 1987 and offers a beautiful selection of beachy Nantucket-themed jewelry as well as abstract pieces and diamond rings. See some of their selection at JewelOfTheIsle.com.

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The Real Reasons Employees Are Late For Work

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Getting to work on time every day can be tough for even the best employees.

Whether it's from oversleeping, getting stuck in traffic, or myriad other reasons, nearly one-quarter of employees say they are late to work at least once a week, with 14 percent admitting it's a weekly occurrence, according to a new study from CareerBuilder.

Overall, traffic is the most common cause for employee lateness, with half of workers citing it as their reason for being tardy. Lack of sleep and bad weather are the two other most popular excuses. Additional reasons employees regularly cite for being late include having trouble getting their kids to school or day care, public transportation problems and wardrobe issues.

How truthful those excuses are appear to be up for debate, however. The study revealed that 30 percent of employees who admitted to being late for work in the past have lied about the reason for their tardiness.

Driving their decision to be less than truthful could be that they fear the consequences that may await them, as more than 40 percent of employers have actually fired an employee for being late.

Some employers are much more lenient when it comes to punishments for tardiness. One-third of those surveyed have no problem with the occasional late arrival, as long as it doesn't become a pattern, while 16 percent say they don't need employees to be punctual if they can still get their work done.

The good news for businesses is that most workers are making up the time they missed, with nearly 60 percent of late-arriving workers staying after hours on those days.

The study was based on surveys of more than 2,100 hiring and human resource managers and more than 3,000 workers across a range of industries.

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Lenovo Edge 15: Top 3 Business Features

The Edge 15 has a sharp display and a keyboard with a full number pad. BUY Lenovo Edge 15 >>>

Lenovo's Edge 15 is a reasonably priced business notebook that bends into a handy presentation mode. The laptop's flexible hinge lets you bend it back 300 degrees, getting the keyboard out of the way for a better view of the 15-inch touch screen. It also delivers a handsome, minimalist design; a comfortable keyboard; and an HD webcam that's great for videoconferencing. It does have a few clear shortcomings — particularly, its lackluster battery life. But the Edge 15 is still an extremely solid midrange pick for business users, and it starts at just $569. While you wait for our full review, read on for three features that make it good for work.

Good keyboard

It's hard to overstate the importance of a good keyboard in a business laptop, and that's what the Edge 15 delivers. It has well-spaced, sculpted keys that make touch typing very comfortable. It also includes a full 10-key number pad that makes crunching numbers a breeze, as well as full-size arrow keys for navigating around documents. The keyboard's main weak point is that it's a bit shallow and thus doesn't offer quite as much feedback as more premium notebooks do.

Flexible design

 

The Edge 15's flexible design is very useful, though a bit gimmicky. The screen flips back 300 degrees, so you can use the keyboard as a stand for the touch-screen display. That could come in handy when you want to show off a business presentation or slideshow to a small group. However, it's not as flexible as convertible laptops like Lenovo's Yoga 3 Pro, which bends back a full 360 degrees so you can use it like a tablet.

HD webcam

A decent webcam is important if you plan to use your notebook for meeting remotely with colleagues or clients. The Edge 15 includes a solid 720p webcam that captures detailed images for videoconferencing sessions. Plus, the Edge 15's dual speakers are louder than average, so you'll have no trouble hearing the person on the other end of the call.

BUY Lenovo Edge 15 >>>

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Baby Boomers Flock to Entrepreneurship

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Even though they're nearing retirement age, a large number of baby boomers are looking for an "encore" career as entrepreneurs.

Adults over the age of 50 comprise one of the fastest-growing groups of entrepreneurs in the United States, according to a new Gallup study. Among those people who don't currently own a business, baby boomers are twice as likely as millennials to say they plan to start a business in the next year.

The majority of those prospective entrepreneurs cite a desire for lifestyle changes as the reason behind their desire to launch a new venture in the later stages of their careers. Specifically, 32 percent of the baby boomers surveyed said they are choosing to start businesses primarily because doing so will allow them to be independent, while 27 percent say it will give them a chance to pursue their interests and passions.

Money is also playing a large role for many. Nearly one-quarter of those surveyed said starting a new business will allow them to increase their income.

"Very few are pursuing an idea for a new product or service that solves a problem or meets an unfulfilled need in the market — the type of business that would typically have immense growth potential," the study's authors wrote. "Perhaps for boomer entrepreneurs, these reasons reflect their current stage in life."

Even though many baby boomers have years of experience working for established organizations, business owners over the age of 50 face many of the same challenges young entrepreneurs face. More than half of those surveyed said information relevant to growing a business and entrepreneurial training and education aren't readily available in their communities. Additionally, just 44 percent said that the city or area where they reside is a good place to live for entrepreneurs forming new businesses, while just 9 percent said it's easy for them to obtain a business loan where they live.

The researchers said that communities looking to foster entrepreneurial growth among baby boomers should focus on several key areas, including:

• Readiness for the role: It's critical communities help entrepreneurial-minded baby boomers understand that running a business is very different than working for a company. Unlike working for someone else, business owners have to deal with ambiguity, uncertainty and failure, the study's authors say.
• Local resources: Communities need to help prospective entrepreneurs connect with local resources, like the AARP, Small Business Administration and professional networks, that can help them plan their business.

Good coaching: Despite their years of professional experience, entrepreneurs over the age of 50 can still benefit from working with others who can provide counseling and support, such as coaches, mentors and business advisors. The study's authors said readily available coaching and mentoring programs should be an essential part of any community trying to develop business leaders.

The researchers said that addressing these challenges and building up the support that is available will not only benefit current baby boomer entrepreneurs, but also help convince those who might be considering starting their own businesses.

"Supporting those over 50 who want to launch and grow businesses is crucial for reversing the trend of American business deaths outnumbering business births, and accelerating sustainable economic development," the study's authors wrote.

The study was based on interviews with 1,906 baby boomers, consisting of 229 entrepreneurs and 1,677 nonentrepreneurs.

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